Anna was an art student who approached me on my way to Tiananmen Square in 2005. She asked if she could speak English with me. She turned out to be my guide and interpreter for three days. Since, she was married, had a baby boy last year, and is a working mom.My 'Chinese daughter' came to the hotel for lunch then we went for a walk. She asked some locals if there was a park where we could walk without dodging traffic. We grabbed a cab to get a local "zoo". My God what a disgusting, ill-kept place that was. I had never seen so many ignored species. Well, something to forget. On our return to the hotel, we sat poolside for more relaxed conversation. I queried again about her personal life previously ignored. I asked if her husband was the student friend I had met before and what work did he do. Embarrassed, she said her husband was thirty-five, without any skills, and cared for the baby while she worked. At that, I was quick to change the subject. There was nothing I could offer after such a turn of events. Two years ago, she was a bubbly, energetic university art student looking for a merited future. The energy is there to get through her days selling medicine for very little income. She says her English skills are dwindling too much to be competitive for advancing job markets. It was good to see Anna again but she seems to have taken her place with the masses in this overpopulated country. Her Chinese name is Cheng Jing. I hope her warm smile remains.
